Nehemiah 4-7

Over two settings it took me about 20 minutes to read this passage. I was struck by the leadership style of Nehemiah, as mentioned in 5:14-18. I would like to see political leaders follow this example: doing nothing to be a burden on the people. For twelve years Nehemiah refused to require the people to provide the his food. This was a priveledge that the king of Persia gave to the govenors of each province. Nehemiah saw the need of so many people and knew that he had the provisions to meet his needs as govenor. Nehemiah refused to allow himself to be pulled into the trap of self-service as a leader.
Stuart